CA Company Recalls Tuna After Case of Scombroid Poisoning

Relish Foods, Inc of El Segundo, California voluntarily initiated the recall of Frozen Pacific Fusion Brand 10 oz Tuna Steaks. The recall was the result of a consumer complaint where after sampling by FDA revealed that the product has potential to contain elevated levels of histamines which can produce an allergic [like] reaction called scombroid fish poisoning.

Symptoms of scombroid poisoning including a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, can appear within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish.

Scombrotoxin Poisoning and Decomposition (FDA) Scombrotoxin Poisoning and Decomposition | FDA and Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance (fda.gov)

• "Fish most commonly involved are members of the Scombridae family (tunas and mackerels), and a few non-scombroid relatives (bluefish, dolphin or mahi-mahi, and amberjacks). can become problematic for Scombroid poisoning when the product is temperature abused."
• "The suspect toxin is an elevated level of histamine generated by bacterial degradation of substances in the muscle protein. This natural spoilage process is thought to release additional by-products which potentiate the toxic effect. The potential toxins are not destroyed by freezing, cooking, smoking, curing or canning."
• "These species should always receive special care in handling, washing, and proper icing, refrigeration or immediate freezing to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Studies have demonstrated toxic histamine levels can be generated within less than 6 to 12 hours exposure without ice or refrigeration." 
• This protein degradation can occur anywhere along the supply chain where there is the opportunity for temperature abuse - the boat,  processing and storage, retail and foodservice, and the home.
• "Certain bacteria produce the enzyme histidine decarboxylase during growth. This enzyme reacts with histidine, a naturally occurring amino acid that is present in larger quantities in some fish than in others. The result is the formation of scombrotoxin (histamine)."
• "Histamine-forming bacteria are capable of growing and producing histamine over a wide temperature range. Growth of histamine is more rapid, however, at high-abuse temperatures (e.g., 70°F (21.1°C) or higher) than at moderate-abuse temperatures (e.g., 45°F (7.2°C)). Growth is particularly rapid at temperatures near 90°F (32.2°C). Histamine is more commonly the result of high temperature spoilage than of long-term, relatively low-temperature spoilage, which is commonly associated with organoleptically detectable decomposition"
• "Once the enzyme histidine decarboxylase is present in the fish, it can continue to produce histamine in the fish even if the bacteria are not active. The enzyme can be active at or near refrigeration temperatures. The enzyme remains stable while in the frozen state and may be reactivated very rapidly after thawing." 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/relish-foods-inc-recalls-frozen-tuna-steaks-because-possible-health-risk
Relish Foods, Inc Recalls Frozen Tuna Steaks Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  December 29, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated levels of histamine
Company Name:  Relish Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Frozen Pacific Fusion Brand
Product Description:  Tuna steaks

Company Announcement

On December 27, 2021, Relish Foods, Inc of El Segundo, California voluntarily initiated the recall of Frozen Pacific Fusion Brand 10 oz Tuna Steaks. The recall was the result of a consumer complaint where after sampling by FDA revealed that the product has potential to contain elevated levels of histamines which can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid fish poisoning. Symptoms, including a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, can appear within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish. If symptoms are severe, an individual should seek immediate medical attention for treatment. Relish Foods Inc is continuing the investigation with FDA as to what caused the problem.

Product was distributed in Northern California and made for sale at Save Mart Supermarkets and Lucky Stores from October 6th, 2021 potentially up to December 27th, 2021. Product was sold to consumers as frozen 10 oz tuna steaks. 10 oz tuna steaks sold individually would have been labeled with the following dates and production code: Production Date : July 2021 Best Before : July 2023 R11G2821D22A D2091A. This information can readily be found on the packaging of the individual tuna steaks in the top right corner:

Products not bearing these codes are not affected by or involved in this recall.

Consumers concerned about whether the tuna steaks they purchased may be part of the recalled product should check with the store from which they purchased the tuna. Currently Relish Foods does not believe that any affected product is still available for purchase by consumers. Apart from initial complaint, Relish Foods has not received any other complaints to date.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-301-0881, Mondays through Fridays, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. (PDT).